Youth Support Worker

Hightown Housing Association; Watford; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A housing support organization in Watford is seeking dedicated Youth Support Workers to join their Young People's Services team. This role involves creating tailored support plans, encouraging access to education, and providing emotional support to young people transitioning to independent living. The successful candidates will work various shifts and are expected to commit to starting NVQ Level 3 qualifications. Competitive salary and generous benefits are offered, including annual leave and ongoing training.

Benefits

Generous annual leave allowance

Workplace pension scheme

Annual bonus

Ongoing professional development

Employee assistance helpline

Qualifications

• Understanding of trauma and a non-judgemental approach.
• Strong communication skills and ability to adapt to diverse needs.
• Team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create tailored support plans to promote independence.
• Encourage access to education, training, and employment.
• Build trusting relationships and provide emotional support.
• Respond to crises and contribute to safeguarding plans.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Understanding of trauma

Team player

Ability to adapt to diverse needs

Education

Commit to starting NVQ Level 3

Job description

We are looking for dedicated Youth Support Worker's to join our Young People's Services team. This is a great opportunity for people who are passionate about supporting young people to achieve their goals and move forward into independent, fulfilling lives.

Watford YPHS provides supported housing for 16-19-year-olds in need, with 11 rooms across two schemes. It also offers two unstaffed move-on schemes for 18-24-year-olds with lower support needs.

Shift Patterns:

• 2.30pm - 10.30pm
• 10.30pm - 7.30am
• 7.30am - 3.30pm

Support Worker's must be prepared to work a variety of shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, as part of a consistent rota.

As a Youth Support Worker, you will play a vital role in helping young people develop the practical and emotional skills they need to live independently.

What You Will Do:

• Create tailored support plans that promote independence and life skills
• Encourage access to education, training, and employment
• Signpost to health, mental health, and substance support services
• Build trusting relationships and provide emotional support
• Respond to crises and contribute to safeguarding plans
• Work flexibly on a 24-hour rota (including weekends, bank holidays, and sleep-ins - paid extra)
• Transport young people when needed (full UK driving licence and business insurance required)

What We Are Looking For:

• Understanding of trauma and a non-judgemental approach
• Strong communication skills and ability to adapt to diverse needs
• Team player who can also work independently in a fast-paced environment

Training & Compliance:

• Commit to starting NVQ Level 3 (Children & Young People's Workforce) within one year
• Sign up to the DBS Update Service

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave allowance of 33 days per year, including statutory bank holidays, rising to 35 days with service
• £25,857 pa for a 37.5 hour a week contract
• Workplace pension scheme and life assurance of three times your annual salary
• Annual bonus based on satisfactory performance
• Monthly attendance bonus and annual salary and cost of living review
• Ongoing professional development and training to help you deliver outstanding support
• Employee assistance helpline

Appointment to this position will be subject to satisfactory right to work, enhanced DBS and references.